Document Type
Publication - Book Chapter
Integrating Faith in Teaching Art
Department
Visual Art & Design
Date of Activity
Summer 8-1-2025
Abstract
This chapter consists of a written dialogue among the three authors, who are all tertiary-level visual arts professors, about how to connect art and faith. We have taken a broader approach to IFL than that found in other chapters in this book. We chose a question-and-answer format, where we designed the questions, and our replies are conversational and candid. Rather than an inquiry into the form and structure of art lessons, we have chosen to discuss the larger relationship between creativity and religion, and how instructors can lead students to faith-affirming answers to questions that the field of art may ask of them.
Do the visual arts have a role in Adventist education? Can the arts bless and serve others? Can faith be integrated into art instruction? Can the tensions that may arise between the church and the arts be navigated? Are the arts relevant to the preparation of a people for Christ's soon coming? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding Yes!
The questions are based upon real issues and philosophical questions that these art instructors face. The answers represent pedagogical and practical personal philosophies that have been, and continue to be, developed and refined over years of teaching art in Adventist higher education, as well as ideas that come from being practicing artists. As there is not yet a firm consensus around many o the ideas, part of IFL includes inviting students into discussion beyond the mere formal principles of art -- and into a dialogue about that it means to be a Christian artist. Not all questions were answered by everyone, and no single standard is intended to be derived from this dialogue.
Recommended Citation
Keefe, Donald, Brian Manley, & Daniel Weber. "Chapter 9: Integrating Faith and Art." Pgs. 189-212. in Shawna Vyhmeister, Safary Wa-Mbaleka, & Prema Gaikwad (Eds.). (2025). Integrating Faith and Learning Volume 2: Applications. Madrid, Spain: Safeliz. ISBN# 979-13-87703-03-5
Comments
The chapter "Integrating Faith and Art" is chapter nine in the second volume book "Integrating Faith and Learning," edited by Shawna Vehmeister, Safary Wa-Mbaleka, and Prema Gaikwad (Shawna Vyhmeister, Safary Wa-Mbaleka, & Prema Gaikwad (Eds.). (2025). Integrating Faith and Learning Volume 2: Applications. Madrid, Spain: Safeliz.)
The chapter was primarily written, compiled, and edited by Donald Keefe (MFA, Associate Professor of Art, School of Visual Art and Design, Southern Adventist University), with contribution from Brian Manley (Middle East University, Beirut, Lebanon) and Daniel Weber (Chair, Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design, Andrews University).